Praying in Regards to Sin

We so often spend time talking about how to pray and the correct posture that we ought to have before God. However, rarely do we actually place much focus on what we shouldn’t pray for.

This morning’s passage comes on the heels of John pointing out the confidence that a person who has been born of God can have when they go to Him in prayer. After considering that we must always pray according to God’s will, John gives some parameters around what to pray about when sin is considered.

There are two categories of sin that are described here. The first, “a sin not leading to death”, is best understood if we look at the second. John writes “there is sin that leads to death.” This description has caused a great deal of difficulty in attempting to understand this passage. Is this describing a physical death or spiritual death?

Sin That Leads to Death

John Stott in His commentary on the Letters of John provides us with three possibilities for what the “sin that leads to death” is.

A specific sin. There are specific sins listed in the Old Testament that were punishable by death according to Mosaic law. Such sins included murder, adultery, or worship of idols. During this time, there was no sacrifice available to atone for such a sin and therefore the result for an offender would be death. I would not be a proponent of this option because of the way the New Testament speaks about forgiveness of sins. Other than blaspheming the Holy Spirit mentioned by Jesus in Mark 3:29, there is no evidence of specific sins that would be punishable by death. Instead, verses like Ephesians 1:7 states,

Ephesians 1:7 ESV

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

The next explanation by Stott for the “sin that leads to death” is Apostasy or a person who has forfeited their salvation. This theory is based on Hebrews 6 and the inability to “restore [the one who has fallen away] again to repentance”. It would seem that this and the next theory are the most likely as they have textual support as well as logical support based on our understanding of salvation.

Finally is the one who blasphemes the Holy Spirit or commits “deliberate open-eyed rejection of known truth.” This is based on Mark 3:29 which states

Mark 3:29 ESV

but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

While John does not write here specifically about forgiveness, it does seem as though the one who commits such a sin would be subject to death if forgiveness is not offered to them.

While we cannot know for certain, I think our understanding of what is being written about is better understood if we look together at Numbers 15:30-31

Numbers 15:30–31 ESV

But the person who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native or a sojourner, reviles the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the Lord and has broken his commandment, that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be on him.”

A high handed sin is the sort where a person knows full well what is happening and chooses to do it anyway. That they would be cut off reminds us of the death that happens when a person falls into a pattern of sin that leads to a final separation from God Himself. When we read of the OT example or rebellion, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and apostasy, it seems as though the same thing is being discussed.

Beyond just these options and the Old Testament precedent of being cut off from the people of God, we should keep in mind that a person who has sinned in a way that leads to death can no longer be offered intercessory prayer. In other words, their final fate rests alone in the hands of the great Judge.

Sin Not Leading to Death

Now that we understand sin leading to death, it seems simple that sin that does not lead to death would be of the lesser variety. These are sins that, while not quite becoming a pattern, are of significant concern to a person. John notes that prayer for this person is necessary.

So, what should we do with this passage of scripture? How can we apply the word of God to our lives this morning?

First, we must understand the serious weight of sin in our own lives. It is important that we take ownership of our own lives and regularly examine ourselves to determine if we are seeking the holiness that is fitting for a disciple of Christ.

Next, let’s be reminded that we should have a reaction to sin. Remember that verse 16 begins with, “if anyone sees”. Upon observing sin, it is first fitting that we should go to God and ask.

We must also keep in mind a serious theme of this letter, that we should love our brothers. When any level of sin is observed, it is vital that we react in a loving way and that is to pray for this person.

Finally, pray for sinners. We must do this before the situation gets to a point that it is unto death. But we also must pray for others before they reach the point of death. We are not promised tomorrow. We are not promised another day. But we are promised eternal life when we submit ourselves to the will of God.

Response is to pray.

For protection for yourself. For your own sins.

For protection for those closest to you.

For the sins of those in your church family.

For the sins of those you may not know. This is the loving thing to do.